India Tomorrow
DEHRADUN: Uttarkashi witnessed violence on Thursday when clashes and stone-pelting broke out during a protest rally organized by a coalition of right-wing groups questioning the legality of a local mosque. Several individuals, including police personnel, were injured in the fracas.
The mosque in question, located in Uttarkashi town, was legally constructed on land registered to members of the Muslim community, according to a senior police officer.
The protest, led by the Sanyukt Sanatan Dharm Rakshak Sangh, aimed to demand the mosque’s demolition. Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Amit Srivastava reported that the incident unfolded around 2:30 pm. Although a predetermined route for the protest was established and barricades were set up, the protesters insisted on changing their path to approach the mosque. When police refused to open the barriers, tensions escalated, leading to scuffles and stone-throwing as officers attempted to disperse the crowd.
Earlier this year, an RTI application had been filed to ascertain the mosque’s legal status. The administration responded that they lacked the required documentation. Following this, a memorandum was presented to the District Magistrate of Uttarkashi, demanding the mosque’s demolition.
On September 6, members of various right-wing organizations held a sit-in protest outside the District Magistrate’s office, issuing a three-day ultimatum for the mosque’s demolition. They threatened to take matters into their own hands if their demands were not addressed.
On September 9, the Sanyukt Sanatan Dharm Rakshak Sangh submitted another memorandum to District Magistrate Meherban Singh Bisht, alleging that the mosque was not listed in revenue records and reiterating their demand for its demolition.
The situation remains tense as authorities work to maintain order and address the conflicting claims regarding the mosque’s legality.
